What I’m Reading: “The Island of Doves” (and giveaway)

I have been reading such great books lately! After finishing Gone Girl, I dove into The Island of Dovesby Kelly O’Connor McNees. These two books couldn’t be more different. And I loved it!

Island of the Dovestells the story of two women in 1835 America who are both similar and different, yet transform each other’s lives. Here’s the “official” summary of the book.

Susannah Fraser lives in one of Buffalo’s finest mansions, but her husband has made it a monstrous prison. When a mysterious woman offers to help her escape, Susannah boards a steamboat for Mackinac Island. But after being a dutiful daughter and obedient wife, it is only as she flees that she realizes how unprepared she is for freedom.

An exceptional woman of early America, Magdelaine Fonteneau has overcome convention to live a bold and adventurous life, achieving great wealth and power as a fur trader. But Magdelaine has also seen great tragedy and lost all that was dear to her, and she is no longer sure her hardened heart is capable of love.

Now, Magdelaine seeks redemption by offering safe harbor to Susannah. But as their friendship grows into something miraculous, it changes each woman in unexpected ways. Each needs to learn to love again, and only together can they realize a future bright with the promise of new life.

I have to say that even though the story takes place in 1835, it almost reads like it could be modern day. I had not read any of Kelly O’Connor McNees’ other books before, so wasn’t sure what to expect. But I love the historical context of the book and the two women’s stories are fascinating. And considering I read this book after Gone Girl, it definitely kept my interest and was really an enjoyable read.

GIVEAWAY: I have one copy of The Island of Doves to give to one lucky reader. To be entered to win, leave a comment telling me what you’re currently reading. The giveaway closes Friday, May 2 at 5 pm Pacific time.

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of The Island of Doves to review for this blog post. All opinions are my own and I only endorse books that I am proud to recommend to others.

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Would love to read this book (and get it from you.)
Currently reading:
Cascade by Maryanne O’Hara- great story so far
Big Fish by Daniel Wallace- I wanted to read the book that inspired the movie and Broadway show. (Loved the show- I think it’s coming to LA area).
And just got Marlo Thomas’ It Ain’t Over… about women changing their lives.

I am currently reading THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES-VOL. 2; I LOVE Mysteries!!!!!! But I also LOVE books like “THE ISLAND OF DOVES”–Chances for women to help each other through “tough times”, start over, find love again, etc!!!!!!! THOSE are the books I can NEVER PUT DOWN!!!!!!!!!!! I would LOVE to win “The Island of Doves” book, because it sounds like a WONDERFUL book, that I would be So IMMERSED in, I wouldn’t go to sleep til I finish it!!!!!!!:-)

I am currently reading… The Last Man, by Vince Flynn… politically charged, skillfully thrilling and filled with action, deception, corruption and a butt kicking CIA agent…. I love the law and I love politics. My favorite is John Grisham, but Vince Flynn was a recommendation and I am LOVING this novel. I would like to take a break from politics and the law, and read something a little more girly. Thanks for the consideration. ~Amber

I am presently reading Lydia Davis “Can’t and Won’t”- a collection of her short stories. Some of her stories are just a paragraph long, but have as much meaning as stories which are much longer. I am devouring Alice Munro’s “Dear Life” again- such a terrific writer! And Ellen Gilchrist’s newest- after many years- “Acts of God”. I have missed her very much. And I would love to read “The Island of Doves”- there is just something about women writers….

This book caught my attention when I first saw the blurb for it, too. I love that you loved it so much, Leah. What am I reading? WILDERNESS by Lance Weller, and SWIMMING IN THE MOON by Pamela Schoenewaldt. Loving them both. Both very different, but both so good!

Would love to try your recommendation by winning “The Island of Doves”. I’m currently reading “The Matchmaker” by Thorton Wilder and “Spectator Bird” by Wallace Stegner. Just finished “Snow Falling on Cedar” David Gutterson.